Former Socceroos coach Gutendorf dies at 93

Globetrotting German football coach Rudi Gutendorf, who was in charge of Australia between 1979 and 1981, has died at the age of 93.

UpdatedUpdated 15/09/2019

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Gutendorf's son Fabian confirmed the news to dpa late on Saturday.

"In him we are losing someone who has enriched us every day with his big heart and positivity," Gutendorf's family said in a statement.

Gutendorf, who was born in Koblenz on the Rhine river, died of old age, according to his son.

In a career that spanned 53 years, he coached in 28 countries from Antigua to Zimbabwe - winning the 1980 Oceania Nations Cup with the Socceroos.

After the Socceroos had failed to qualify for the 1978 FIFA World Cup in Argentina, Gutendorf was appointed by Soccer Federation President Sir Arthur George.

He sought to mould a team focused on local talent with an emphasis on youth development but he could not lead them to the 1982 World Cup in Spain, losing out to New Zealand.

Gutendorf's record with the Socceroos in 37 A and B internationals was 15 wins, 10 draws and 12 losses.

While his club coaching career was mainly in his native Germany, and early on on Switzerland, football took him around Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and Oceania, and Gutendorf touched many people.

"It makes us grateful and proud to have spent our lives at his side and we will never forget him," the family statement added.

"As a 'restless Rudi,' he was always a man full of energy and enthusiasm for his family and his beloved football."